Official Portsmouth libraries

🕺✨ Get Groovy at Our 70s Disco! ✨🕺
Step back in time and celebrate 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library on Saturday 11th July with a family-friendly 1970s disco!
Join live band ‘70s Explosion’ from 3pm as they bring all the feel-good hits and retro vibes—perfect for dancing, singing along, and reliving the decade of disco!
🎟️ Free event – but booking required
Dust off your flares, grab the family, and get ready for an afternoon of funky fun as we celebrate in style!
👉 Book your place now to avoid missing out! https://wegottickets.com/portsmouthbookfest

As well as accessing your library card via the Spydus Library App, you can now add your card to either your Apple or Google Wallet. To do this, login to the Spydus Library App, then tap the circular icon to the right of your name. This will show you the barcode of your card with the option to add it to your device's wallet!

Join us on Saturday 11th July as we celebrate 50 fantastic years of Portsmouth Central Library!
📸 Dennis and Gnasher will be making special appearances at intervals throughout the day from 10am–3pm – just drop in and say hello!
While you’re here, join in the birthday fun:
🎂 Take part in our birthday card competition
🕺 Dress up in our 1970s costume box
🔍 Follow the treasure hunt
Plus, don’t miss our bookable activities:
🧱 Build your own Central Library with LEGO
💃 Step back in time at our 1970s disco
Bring the whole family and celebrate with us!

🎉 Go Behind the Scenes at Central Library! 📚🔍
📅 Saturday 11 July 10:30am or 2pm
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Central Library? Here’s your chance to find out!
Join PhD researcher November Tan for a special guided building tour and creative workshop as part of our Central 50 celebrations. Discover hidden spaces, uncover fascinating stories, and get a unique insight into the inner workings of one of Portsmouth’s most loved buildings.
✨ See the library from a completely new perspective
✨ Take part in a creative zine-making workshop
✨ Take your handmade zine home with you
This is a rare opportunity you won’t want to miss!
🎟️ Free, but places are limited – booking essential: https://wegottickets.com/portsmouthbookfest

The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts tonight! If you need to read up on the team you got in your office sweepstake, see what England's chances are, (to end 60 years of hurt), or to see the latest hotshot players to look out for, why not download some of the free football magazines on our pressreader app?

There's 'Match of the day' 'Four Four Two', 'World Soccer' and more! Also keep an eye on magazines and newspapers from around the world to follow their coverage too, particularly if you read magazines & newspapers in other languages!

Download the pressreader app and sign up with your library card number and pin/password today if you haven't already! ⚽️

Have a look at look at what's new on Freegal this month! 🎧😍

UK - Freegal Music+ Newsletter - June 2026

✨ Celebrate 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library! ✨
Join the Portsmouth born author and actor Michelle Magorian on Saturday 11th July to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Central Library. Michelle will be in conversation with Maggie Bowers from the University of Portsmouth to talk about her childhood and the places that have inspired her creativity, such as the Central Library, Kings Theatre and local cinemas. Author of well-known childrens' books such as Goodnight Mister Tom and Just Henry, Michelle will be drawing on her acting skills to bring to life some of her recent short stories.
📚 Goodnight Mister Tom proudly features in the Portsmouth 100 Books list—explore it here:
👉 https://librariesandarchives.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-library-service/portsmouth-100-book-list/
🎟️ FREE tickets (advance booking required):
👉 https://wegottickets.com/portsmouthbookfest
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear from a celebrated local author as part of our Central 50 celebrations!

🎉🧱 Calling all young LEGO® builders! 🧱🎉
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library with a very special hands-on activity!
On Saturday 11th July, come along and build your very own miniature Central Library to take home, with the brilliant Bricks McGee. They’ve created an incredible LEGO® design inspired by our much-loved library—now it’s your turn to bring it to life!
🕥 Session times:
• 10:30am
• 12:00pm
• 1:30pm
• 3:00pm
🎟️ Tickets: £8 / £5 (Leisure Card holders)
⚠️ Places are limited, so advance booking is essential
👉 Book your place here:
https://librariesandarchives.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-library-service/central-50/
Perfect for budding builders—don’t miss out on this creative, family-friendly celebration! ✨